Obituary of Walter Cyril Morris

"Please click here to view the livestream of the service".

It is with broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Walter Morris, age 73 of Buena Vista, Saskatchewan. Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 52 years Gaye Morris; his children Aleasha Morris (Jamie McDougald) and Chad Morris (Candis Beitel); his adoring grandchildren Jaxon, Ruby, Delta; as well as his dear sister Mellodee Hansen; close family and countless special friends in Canada and beyond. 

Walt was born and raised in Regina.  Nurtured by a strong single mother, Walt was driven by the desire to achieve, to provide and to serve.  Having attended Central Collegiate, he went on to receive both his teacher certification and then master’s degree from the University of Regina. For the majority of his career, Walt served in public education as a teacher, Principal, Superintendent and Director of Schools. He worked in the Intermountain, Weyburn Central, Weyburn Catholic and Regina Catholic School Divisions.  Upon retirement in 2002, he worked to amalgamate school divisions across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. He led with conviction, humility and compassion. Never one to sit still, in 2006, he and his wife Gaye decided to embark on a new adventure, and they moved overseas where Walt served eight more years as the Headmaster for Mont’ Kiara International School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This gave them the opportunity to experience the joys of travel and culture that most will only dream of. They made wonderful friends and many memories there. 

He was deeply involved in every community that he lived, and he coveted his lifelong friendships.  If he wasn’t in the hallways of a school, you would definitely find him on the court. Walt had a deep love for the sport of basketball. He served as the President of Basketball Saskatchewan (BSI) in addition to both the provincial and Regina Associations of Basketball Officials (SABO/RABO).   You could always find Walt at a Cougar game or high school tournament in the city. He cherished the camaraderie. Aleasha will dearly miss her favourite coach and biggest fan. 

Walt was also an avid outdoorsman. He competed in field trials with his spaniels and spent countless hours with his son Chad hunting in the wide-open fields of Saskatchewan and fishing on Last Mountain Lake. They were a great pair.  He loved the simple pleasures of a campfire, cold beer, and a country song. One of his favourite spots was his cabin at Endeavour.  Chad will forever remember his last moose hunt with his dad this fall.  

Walt and Gaye settled into Buena Vista ten years ago.  Once again, he found service and volunteerism. Walt was an active Lion and was always on call to marshall a parade, serve a pancake breakfast, share his homemade spirits or help in the fish derby. He was the kind of guy who remembered your name, looked you in the eye and always shook your hand. He was both a scholar and a gentleman. 

As a husband, Walt modeled commitment, humour, patience, generosity and sacrifice. Walt and Gaye were best friends and partners in every adventure. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was being an incredible dad to his children Aleasha and Chad. He was so proud of them both. They are left with powerful memories and lessons that will carry them a lifetime. He also had a special place in his heart for their partners, Jamie and Candis. He loved them like his own. Walt took his role as Grampa very seriously. He never missed a game, a recital, a performance, a backyard cartwheel competition, scrabble night or a report card. He was always a voice of encouragement and never hesitated to impart his wisdom. His grandchildren were the exclamation points to his beautiful life story. 

Walt was selfless and always gave the most precious gift he had to offer…his time. Gaye, Aleasha and Chad would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of support. It is truly a testament to life that Walt led.  

A celebration of Walt’s life will occur at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, on Friday, May 19, at 1:00 p.m. with reception to follow. Please put this date aside in your calendars so that we can celebrate his life and legacy together when the sun is shining, and the breeze is warm. To view the livestream (and recording) of the service, please click on the link above the obituary. This will be available to view for three months following the Service.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Walt’s name to the STARS Air Ambulance via the Lions Foundation: E-transfers to Sasklionsfndn@gmail.com